Raw & Real Real Estate

In our first two flips ever, excitement quickly turned into chaos. Jesus and I share the real story behind how we saved for our first project, took out a HELOC for the second, and learned some expensive lessons along the way. From money mistakes to mayhem at home, this episode is a raw look at the ups, downs, and unexpected realities of flipping as a couple.
 
*Part 2 will reveal if we’d ever flip again — and whether it was worth it.

Buying your first home comes with a lot of excitement—and a lot of questions, especially about homeowners insurance. In this episode, I sit down with Yvonne, an insurance agent with over 25 years of experience, to uncover the truth about what a policy really covers (and what it doesn’t).
We dive into the biggest misconceptions first-time homeowners have, how to avoid costly mistakes, and the common concerns that catch people off guard. Yvonne shares insider tips from her years in the industry—covering costs, coverage limits, and practical advice every new homeowner should hear.
Whether you’re getting ready to purchase your first home or just want to be sure you’re protected the right way, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make smarter, more confident decisions.
Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

Thinking about buying a home but not sure if a brand-new build or a resale is the smarter move? In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I break down the pros and cons of both options so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. We’ll talk about everything from price per square foot, customization, and builder incentives to lot size, and hidden costs in older homes. Learn about the top three warnings for each you don't often hear about but are important to know. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning your next move, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to decide if a new construction or a resale home is right for you.
Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I sit down with Cesar Garcia, a loan officer with over 15 years of experience in the industry, to break down the most popular  questions buyers and homeowners face: how much interest rates really matter, whether 20% down actually lowers your monthly payment, and when refinancing makes sense — including the fees to watch out for.
Cesar explains that the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your financial goals. Are you trying to save money long-term by reducing interest over the life of your loan? Or are you more focused on keeping monthly payments manageable to fit your budget today? We talk about the pros and cons of refinancing, what homeowners should consider before making a move, and why sometimes allocating extra cash elsewhere may make more sense than a large down payment.
Whether you’re buying your first home, thinking about refinancing, or just trying to make the most of your money, this conversation will help you understand how to align your mortgage strategy with your personal goals.
Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

In this episode, Patricia — with over 20 years in the title industry — breaks down what title insurance really is and why it matters. We dive into real stories of title fraud, talk about new legislation addressing this growing crime, and share practical ways you can protect yourself. Plus, we tackle the overlooked questions around inheritance and wills that every homeowner should know.
Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

As of late August, several articles revealed that many sellers are pulling back from the market. In this episode, we’re going to unpack why this is happening and what impact it could have. You’ll learn how it might affect you—or someone you know—if you’re planning to buy or sell in the coming months.